Shark & Tarpon Wreck Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Wrecks/Reefs Fishing
Target sharks and tarpons on wrecks and reefs for four hoursAccommodates up to six guests with license and snacks includedAll fishing equipment, tackle, and bait provided by crew
Looking for some serious action on the water? This 4-hour shark and tarpon trip with Key Largo Sportfishing puts you right where the big fish live – on the wrecks and reefs where these apex predators and silver kings hang out. With your fishing license and light snacks included, plus all the tackle you'll need, this trip is perfect for anglers who want to test their skills against some of Florida's most powerful fish. Just bring your A-game, some sunscreen, and maybe a cooler with your favorite drinks.
We're talking about a no-nonsense fishing trip that targets two of the most sought-after species in these waters. The wrecks around Key Largo create the perfect ambush points for sharks, while the reefs attract massive tarpon looking for an easy meal. Your captain knows exactly where to position the boat to give you the best shot at hooking into something that'll make your arms burn. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows. Don't worry about bringing gear – we've got top-rated rods, reels, and all the heavy tackle you'll need to handle these beasts. The bait selection is dialed in for what's biting, whether that's live pilchards, mullet, or cut bait that'll get the sharks fired up. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks to keep your energy up during the fight, and trust me, you'll want that hat and sunglasses when the Florida sun starts beating down.
Fishing the wrecks isn't just about dropping a line and hoping for the best. These underwater structures create complex current patterns and feeding zones that require specific techniques to be successful. We'll be anchoring up-current from the wreck and letting our baits drift back into the strike zone, using enough weight to keep the bait in the fish zone but not so much that it kills the natural movement. For sharks, we're talking about circle hooks on heavy leaders – these fish have sandpaper skin and razor-sharp teeth that'll cut through lighter tackle in seconds. The tarpon setups are different, using live bait on lighter leaders to get those crucial hookups. Your captain will coach you through the fight, because landing a 100-pound tarpon or a bull shark takes technique, not just muscle. The wrecks we fish range from shallow reef structures to deeper offshore spots, depending on what's biting and where the fish are showing up. Current, tide, and water temperature all play into where we set up, and that's where local knowledge makes all the difference.
Tarpon are the silver kings of these waters, and for good reason. These fish can push 150 pounds and launch themselves completely out of the water when hooked. Peak season runs from April through October, with the summer months producing the biggest fish. What makes tarpon so special isn't just their size – it's their acrobatic ability and the way they strip line off your reel in long, powerful runs. They're catch and release only, but that first jump when a big silver king clears the water will stay with you forever. The fight can last 30 minutes or more, and every angler who's battled one knows why they're called the king of game fish.
Dusky sharks are one of the more common species we encounter on the wrecks, typically running 50-100 pounds with occasional bruisers pushing 200. These sharks are year-round residents but seem to feed most aggressively during the warmer months. They're known for their powerful initial run and their ability to sound deep when hooked, using the wreck structure to try and break you off. Duskies have excellent eyesight and can be picky about bait presentation, making them a challenging target that rewards skilled anglers.
Spinner sharks get their name from their habit of spinning out of the water when feeding or fighting, and they put on quite a show when hooked. Usually smaller than duskies at 30-70 pounds, they make up for size with pure energy and acrobatics. Spring and fall seem to be prime time for spinners around the wrecks, when they're actively feeding on the bait schools that gather around these structures.
Shortfin mako sharks are the race cars of the shark world, capable of hitting 45 mph in short bursts. Landing a mako is like hooking into a torpedo – they make blistering runs and spectacular jumps that rival any tarpon. These are deeper water fish, usually showing up on the offshore wrecks during cooler months. A 100-pound mako will test every piece of equipment and every ounce of skill you've got.
Lemon sharks are the bulldozers of the bunch, using raw power rather than speed to try and break free. They're more common in the shallower wreck areas and have a reputation for being stubborn fighters that just won't quit. Peak time for lemons is late spring through early fall, and they're known for taking baits aggressively and fighting all the way to the boat.
Bull sharks are probably the most respected predator we target – thick, powerful, and absolutely relentless when hooked. These sharks can show up anywhere from shallow reefs to deep wrecks, and they're not picky about bait. What makes bulls special is their incredible strength and their refusal to give up. A 200-pound bull shark will take you into your backing and test your drag system like nothing else. They're year-round residents but seem most active during the summer months when water temperatures peak.
This world-class shark and tarpon trip delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – a chance at some of the most powerful fish swimming in Florida waters. With all gear provided and an experienced captain who knows these wrecks inside and out, you're
This fully equipped motorboat is built for serious fishing adventures targeting sharks and tarpons around wrecks and reefs. With comfortable seating for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines without bumping elbows. The boat features a flybridge for better visibility when spotting fish and navigating to productive spots. Stay cool between strikes with onboard air conditioning, and when you need a break from the action, there's a bed for relaxing and a full kitchen for preparing meals. The toilet adds convenience for longer trips on the water. An ice box keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold throughout the day. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools beneath the surface, while GPS and radar help navigate safely to the best fishing grounds. VHF radio keeps you connected with other boats and shore. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over structure without spooking wary fish. A multimedia system provides entertainment during travel time between spots. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, along with your fishing license and light snacks. This setup gives you everything needed for a productive day chasing big game fish in their natural habitat.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the bruisers of the shark world - thick, aggressive, and built like tanks. These gray powerhouses average 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds with that distinctive blunt snout and stocky body. What makes them unique is their ability to handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them around coastal structure year-round, especially in 20-100 feet. Summer months are prime time when they're most active. The fight is brutal - straight power with long, bulldozer runs that'll test your gear and patience. They're opportunistic feeders, hitting just about anything. Here's my secret weapon: fresh eel chunks. The high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls, and it stays on the hook through their aggressive strikes. Use heavy tackle and be ready for a war.
Carcharhinus ObscurusDusky sharks are some of the larger predators you'll encounter on our wreck trips, averaging 6-8 feet but capable of reaching 14 feet and 700+ pounds. These bronze-gray beauties have that classic shark look with their round snouts and long pectoral fins. They patrol deeper waters around structure, usually 30-200 feet down, hunting everything from bony fish to rays and smaller sharks. Spring through fall gives you the best shot when water temps hit that 66-82°F sweet spot. What makes them special is the serious fight they put up - they're strong, stubborn, and built for endurance. Here's the key: use fresh cut bait with plenty of scent. Bonito or mackerel chunks work great. They hunt more by smell than sight, so let that bait trail work for you.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are easy to spot with their distinctive yellow-bronze coloring that helps them blend into sandy bottoms. These stocky predators typically run 6-8 feet and 150-200 pounds around our reefs and wrecks. They prefer shallow to moderate depths, usually 20-80 feet, hanging around structure during the day and moving to hunt at dusk. Best fishing happens spring through early fall when they're most active. What guests love is their strong, steady fight - not as flashy as some sharks but they'll test your drag and endurance. They're smart hunters with excellent eyesight, feeding on fish, rays, and crustaceans. My trick is fishing near sandy areas adjacent to structure right at sunset. Use cut bait like bonito or mackerel on the bottom, and be patient - they're cautious but worth the wait.
Isurus OxyrinchusMako sharks are the speed demons of the shark world, clocking 30+ mph and jumping 20 feet when hooked. These torpedo-shaped predators average 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds, with that distinctive pointed snout and metallic blue coloring. We find them in open water around offshore structure, usually near the surface but they'll dive to 400+ feet chasing prey. Peak season runs spring through fall in warmer waters. What sets makos apart is their intelligence and tenacity - they'll use every trick including jumping in the boat to get free. The fight is legendary, and the meat is actually excellent eating. Pro tip: use 50lb gear minimum and watch out when they get boat-side. Live bluefish or fresh tuna chunks work best, but be ready for anything once you hook up with one of these rockets.
Carcharhinus BrevipinnaSpinner sharks get their name from the wild aerial show they put on - spinning up to 3 times in the air when feeding or hooked. These sleek sharks average 6 feet and 120 pounds with that distinctive long snout and bronze-gray coloring. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around our reefs, especially during late winter and spring when they chase baitfish inshore. The real thrill is watching them hunt - they blast through schools of fish at 46 mph with mouths wide open. When hooked, expect serious runs and those trademark jumps. Despite poor eyesight, they've got incredible smell. My go-to trick is using fresh bonito strips - the high oil content drives them crazy. Medium to heavy tackle handles them fine, and they actually make decent table fare too.
Megalops AtlanticusThese silver giants are what fishing dreams are made of. Most tarpon we hook run 80-100 pounds, but you might tie into one pushing 200+ pounds and 6+ feet long. They're famous for those heart-stopping jumps - can launch 10 feet out of the water at 35 mph trying to throw the hook. We find them around our wrecks and deeper channels, especially during spring and summer months when they're migrating through. The acrobatic fight is what brings people back - pure adrenaline when one goes airborne. They're ancient fish, been around 125 million years, and can live 50+ years. Best tip: keep your rod tip down when they jump, or they'll use that leverage to snap your line. We practice catch and release since they're not great eating anyway.
Key Largo, FL